Unfortunately, the Branson area is not insulated from the liquidity and sub-prime lending crisis in full swing in the mortgage markets. On August 10, 2007, there were 1,716 residences for sale on the multiple listing service for the Tri-lakes, which includes Stone and Taney County. This is up 32% from the 1,303 homes on the market as recently as last October 30. In July, 2007, there were 127 residences reported sold by the same community of realtors compared to 194 sales in the same month last year. The number of home sales was down 35% year to year for the month of July.

Hold on sports fans, this is a wild ride down. It is a great buyer’s market for the astute real estate investors. If you have been thinking about buying income property or a first or second home, buy now while the deals are good. Don’t wait for the next seller’s market when you will pay top dollar for your dream home. Get it now while it’s cheap and there are plenty of motivated sellers out there.